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Dallas' Robert E. Lee Park has a new name Friday and soon so may several city streets named for Confederate generals. (Published Saturday, Sept. 23, 2017)

Dallas' Robert E. Lee Park has a new name Friday and soon so may several city streets named for Confederate generals.

During a special session Friday morning, the City of Dallas Park and Recreation board unanimously voted to temporarily rename the park, which bore the name of the Confederate general for 81 years, to Oak Lawn Park until a permanent name can be approved.

The Lee statue was removed from the park last week and placed in storage.

Park Board President Bobby Abtahi supported the decision to rename the park in the interest of uniting, and not dividing, the city.

“The last place in the city, almost, where everyone is equal is a park,” Abtahi said. “And I take it very seriously when certain folks in our city don't feel welcome in a park, or don't feel that a park name does not make them proud or does not make them feel like they should be there.”

Until a new permanent name can be chosen, signage that said Lee Park will be covered up, according to the Director of the Park Department.

During a meeting of the Mayor's Task Force on Confederate Monuments Friday afternoon, it was recommended that several streets in the city named for Confederate generals also be renamed.